New York Creek Trail hike
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New York Creek Trail hike
Difficulty Rating:
The less-traveled trail up New York Creek is certainly a fantastic way to hike away from the bustling crowds in Aspen’s city centre. Though the access is slightly more challenging, the hike up New York Creek to the high alpine ridge at the end is a real treat.
Getting there
Head east from Aspen along Colorado 82 for 9.6mi. Just past the Grottos Trail, turn right onto Lincoln Creek Rd. Follow this dirt road for around 3.0mi until you see a sign for New York Creek on the right. Park in this dirt parking area.
About
| When to do | Late June through September |
| Backcountry Campsites | Yes, numerous opportunities in National Forest |
| Toilets | No |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Poor |
| Crowd Levels | Low |
| Route Type | Out and back |
New York Creek Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for New York Creek Trail
Begin the trail by immediately crossing over Lincoln Creek. On the opposite side of the creek, you’ll find the path heading steadily uphill to the southwest. This is an old jeep road of some sorts, so it is quite wide and well graded.
After a little bit of climbing, you will switchback up a clearing, and then you’ll find yourself up on a real, still in use, dirt road. Don’t worry, you will only follow this road for 0.5mi.
When you see a sign for the New York Creek Trail, turn left. The trail will bob up and down through an incredibly lush forest.
Soon you will exit the forest , crossing over New York Creek. Once you’re on the opposite side of the valley, you will climb through a meadow and a sparse forest until you switchback up the north side of a small lip. After cresting the lip you will be completely out of the forest, and your final objective will be directly in front of you; an unnamed and barren pass.
Continue climbing up this plateau, but note the trail will become quite faint. Just keep heading up as the pass is in view.
After climbing the last loose section of trail you will crest the pass and have a great view into the south end of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Looking back, New York Peak and its long ridge will occupy the view to the left, and to the south you will be able to see the immense Gunnison National Forest in the distance. Enjoy the view and then return the way you came.
Insider Hints
Be sure to be totally self-sufficient on this hike, there are not many other hikers on the trail.
This is another high pass, be sure to be off it before the typical afternoon thunderstorms come.
The road to get to the trailhead is passable by sedan with confident drivers; however, having a little bit of clearance makes the drive a lot easier.
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Tiffany Swift 4 years ago
Peaceful trail. Spectacular views.
Banter F. 5 years ago
A challenging hike for beginners. Great view of the wilderness.
Ashton L. 5 years ago
The hike is quite challenging. Spectacular view of the surroundings. Will go back again with friends for some peaceful hike.
merry g. 5 years ago
Good hike with switchback along the way. It was a little challenging.
Jordan A. 5 years ago
Great nature walk! It was a great way to immerse yourself in nature.
Michael L. 5 years ago
This hike is so freakin' good. It's a great workout!
Susanne P. 5 years ago
Beautiful moderate hike, and unlike other hikes, it's not very crowded. So amazing!
Josephine B. 5 years ago
An extremely isolated hike that gives a feeling of solitude when I enter the trail. It's not crowded and you can only see a few hikers. And for that, I enjoyed the hike a lot.
Annie Smith 6 years ago
New York Creek Trail is a great hike.
RamblerJoe 6 years ago
This trail was quite challenging. But it's a lot more pleasant with fewer people around ya. Leaves you with your own thoughts for a bit.